Cambrian hourly service consultation

[Rhydgaled]

If you are expecting the extra services to form additional Shrewsbury - Birminghams then the chances are basically nil.

Not additional Shrewsbury-Birminghams, but as a portion off the Birmingham-Chester/N.Wales services. Assuming the Birmingham-Chester/N.Wales services are still only 2-car west of Shrewsbury it shouldn't require any more resources above the 2 extra units required to make Aberystwyth-Shrewsbury hourly.

Sounds like it, means the line speed can be raised and the single line occupation reduced.

So, chances of hourly in December rather slim?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Interesting this morning BBC News channel has its anchor woman based at Porthmadog station, the pictures show damage to its roof and the station veranda ripped off. She made no comment about no trains have run for months.

The Cambrian Coast Line is now back in service between Machynlleth and Barmouth apparently. For how much longer though, is it time an alternative route was being planned, since Fairbourne is expected to enter into 'managed retreat' in 2025? According to the news it is already happening at Newgale in Pembrokeshire, though what 'managed retreat' actually involves was not clear.

 

[Rogercas]

Managed retreat at Fairbourne?

Bit strange when the Welsh Government are now spending £5+million to prevent flooding there.

http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/environmentandcountryside/2013/130304spendingprioriites/?lang=en

Left hand and right hand???

 

[Llanigraham]

Sounds like it, means the line speed can be raised and the single line occupation reduced.

Speed limit over that section is 80kph, so removing the crossings won't make any difference.

 

[merlodlliw]

The Cambrian Coast Line is now back in service between Machynlleth and Barmouth apparently. For how much longer though, is it time an alternative route was being planned, since Fairbourne is expected to enter into 'managed retreat' in 2025? According to the news it is already happening at Newgale in Pembrokeshire, though what 'managed retreat' actually involves was not clear.

Agree, but not at the station she was anchored too,

 

[Gareth Marston]

From that link, apparently the report covers the costs, feasibility, business case, timetable and an implementation plan for the enhanced service. Has that report been published by any chance? I wonder whether the timetable and implementation plan would answer the questions of whether the service would run through to Birmingham and where the rolling stock would come from?

Also,
Does this mean closing these crossings and building the two bridges is a prerequisite for the hourly service? If so, NR will be hard pressed to get that work done by December while repairing lots of broken coastal railways I would have thought.

The full line liaison committee has not met since early October and the January meeting was postponed as the Chair and Sectretary and some others were heavily involved in the work. The committee is meeting on 28 February in full and will no doubt want to see all the evidence so I imagine details will emerge then.

Talediig farm crossings are a bit of a sideshow.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Not additional Shrewsbury-Birminghams, but as a portion off the Birmingham-Chester/N.Wales services. Assuming the Birmingham-Chester/N.Wales services are still only 2-car west of Shrewsbury it shouldn't require any more resources above the 2 extra units required to make Aberystwyth-Shrewsbury hourly.

So, chances of hourly in December rather slim?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
The Cambrian Coast Line is now back in service between Machynlleth and Barmouth apparently. For how much longer though, is it time an alternative route was being planned, since Fairbourne is expected to enter into 'managed retreat' in 2025? According to the news it is already happening at Newgale in Pembrokeshire, though what 'managed retreat' actually involves was not clear.

Fairbourne is but a rumour/suggestion not gospel.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

It requires further track stabilisation works to be signed off as completed!

That CE train is currently sitting on the Down Loop at Fron.

Where it had problems with falling trees resulting in delays this morning. Another go at it tonight, still foul.

 

[Llanigraham]

Talediig farm crossings are a bit of a sideshow.

And a pain in the proverbial!!

 

[The Informer]

Also the mobile flood lights were up at "the join" between the original double track formation and the 1990's relocated station at Welshpool. Foul night for it wonder how much they did?

Looks like the Minister will respond in March

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-26137506

Approx half a mile of track works on the down loop at Welshpool were undertaken this week. Works along the length of the loop are on-going until april/may. The down loop has a permanent block on it for some time!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Where it had problems with falling trees resulting in delays this morning. Another go at it tonight, still foul.

Fallen trees were between Welshpool and Shrewsbury. The CE train hit them on his way back to Salop!!!

 

[Gareth Marston]

Approx half a mile of track works on the down loop at Welshpool were undertaken this week. Works along the length of the loop are on-going until april/may. The down loop has a permanent block on it for some time!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Fallen trees were between Welshpool and Shrewsbury. The CE train hit them on his way back to Salop!!!

If the down loop is blocked how are they operating the extra trains between Newtown and Shrewsbury on 15/16 and 22/23 due to bus replacements between Mach and Newtown?

 

[Welshman]

Agree, but not at the station she was anchored too,

From the pictures of the state of the station it looks like it should have been the roof that was anchored, not the reporter!

Incidentally, I notice from the ATW website this morning, all lines between Shrewsbury & Aberystwyth are closed "due to a problem with lineside equipment"

 

[headshot119]

From the pictures of the state of the station it looks like it should have been the roof that was anchored, not the reporter!

Incidentally, I notice from the ATW website this morning, all lines between Shrewsbury & Aberystwyth are closed "due to a problem with lineside equipment"

Multiple axle counter failure between Dovey Junction and Sutton Bridge Junction.

 

[The Informer]

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

If the down loop is blocked how are they operating the extra trains between Newtown and Shrewsbury on 15/16 and 22/23 due to bus replacements between Mach and Newtown?

All trains via up loop in both directions.
Platform 2 available and can be used to pass trains in the event of operational difficulties.

 

[Gareth Marston]

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---



All trains via up loop in both directions.
Platform 2 available and can be used to pass trains in the event of operational difficulties.

Clock open train times for Saturday PM there's extra trains that are suppose to cross at Welshpool. NRES confirms as we'll.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
electrical fault wiped out whole all of Cambrian with bus replacements running today. However the engineering train to Talerddig went through Caersws @ 1600 some two hours plus down. Bus replacements still running.

 

[The Informer]

Yes, multiple power failures at various sites due to Scottish Power caused the Cambrian to have a bit of a meltdown and run on batteries. Most of the sites are now back online with the exception of 1 or 2 which may need external generator power.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Services re-introduced after renewal works complete and power failures fixed on the Cambrian. First unit was 16:07 off Machynlleth.

 

[swcovas]

Ironic that thanks to complications at least part of the Cambrian got its hourly service albeit just for a couple of days. Lets hope it's a prelude for the near future. It's rather like the Heart of Wales back in 87 after the Glanrhyd bridge disaster when the southern end of the line had the best service it had seen in years. Oh to have that service today on the HOWL!

 

[Gareth Marston]

Ironic that thanks to complications at least part of the Cambrian got its hourly service albeit just for a couple of days. Lets hope it's a prelude for the near future. It's rather like the Heart of Wales back in 87 after the Glanrhyd bridge disaster when the southern end of the line had the best service it had seen in years. Oh to have that service today on the HOWL!

A few disappointed people as it didn't run! I took a picture of the departure boards at Newtown in between Cancelled showing!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Yes, multiple power failures at various sites due to Scottish Power caused the Cambrian to have a bit of a meltdown and run on batteries. Most of the sites are now back online with the exception of 1 or 2 which may need external generator power.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Services re-introduced after renewal works complete and power failures fixed on the Cambrian. First unit was 16:07 off Machynlleth.

Imagine telling the London Midland Area Manager at Stoke On Trent 30 years ago that the Cambrian was out due to a power failure from "Scottish Power".

 

[The Informer]

Who said it was cancelled?

 

[Gareth Marston]

Who said it was cancelled?

Bus replacements all weekend for entire Cambrian, the extra trains between Newtown and Shrewsbury did not run.

 

[merlodlliw]

Not sure if the Borth bog fire has been reported on this forum or others,anyway it was very close to the Cambrian line & Borth Station , so if trains were running they would have been stopped, link here of dramatic pictures http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-26185361

This very same bog, Borth Railway Station and line was featured in last months "Hinterland" detective series shown on BBC TV in Wales. So the line gets a second showing.


Bob

 

[The Informer]

Sorry i'm getting confused.
I know bus replacements were on for the entire Cambrian which related to a massive power failure and a steel sleeper relay at Talerddig. Those extra services between Newtown & Shrewsbury that were scheduled to pass on the Welshpool loop as stated on OTT at the weekend had doubts in my eyes. If they did it would have been a backshunt on platform 2 once platform 1 Up loop was clear like i said.
The DN loop at Welshpool had recently been relayed but not tamped so was never fit for traffic and is permanently blocked until may!
Once the power failures had been fixed and Talerddig handed back the first unit over the section from Machy was 16:07 sunday evening.

 

[Gareth Marston]

Sorry i'm getting confused.
I know bus replacements were on for the entire Cambrian which related to a massive power failure and a steel sleeper relay at Talerddig. Those extra services between Newtown & Shrewsbury that were scheduled to pass on the Welshpool loop as stated on OTT at the weekend had doubts in my eyes. If they did it would have been a backshunt on platform 2 once platform 1 Up loop was clear like i said.
The DN loop at Welshpool had recently been relayed but not tamped so was never fit for traffic and is permanently blocked until may!
Once the power failures had been fixed and Talerddig handed back the first unit over the section from Machy was 16:07 sunday evening.

Th same set up is happening again this weekend, power permitting. The departure boards at Newtown were showing the additional trains albeit as cancelled.

 

[The Informer]

So does OTT show services passing at Welshpool again? I'm intrigued?

 

[Gareth Marston]

So does OTT show services passing at Welshpool again? I'm intrigued?

Yes on OTT and backed up by National Rail Enquiries showing the same trains.

 

[The Informer]

They must be sending down trains into the down platform and backshunt when the up train clears.

 

[Llanigraham]

Instead of all this querying, why not just ask NR at Machy what they are doing? I'm sure you would get a reply from the horses mouth.

 

[berneyarms]

They must be sending down trains into the down platform and backshunt when the up train clears.

If the loop is shut further west, that's the only solution (other than getting everyone to switch trains!!).

 

[Gareth Marston]

The extra trains all seem to arrive in advance of the service trains by a few minutes at Welshpool.

There's also a Gloucester to Talerddig engineers train showing on Friday, however it arrives in the morning and trains continue to cross in the loop. I wonder if they've realised that the engineers siding at Talerddig is in the fact the former head shunt on the UP loop that was used as a refuge for pilot locos and is barely a hundred yards long!

 

[Llanigraham]

Yes Gareth, they know exactly how long the "shunt" is at Talerddig! It is probably only a tamper going in there.

Have you visited Machy SCC at all, yet?

 

[Gareth Marston]

Yes Gareth, they know exactly how long the "shunt" is at Talerddig! It is probably only a tamper going in there.

Have you visited Machy SCC at all, yet?

Not had the chance since ETCS yet been in the old RETB centre though. Many moons ago I d my work experience from school in the box at Caersws when it still had its loop pre retb days. About 18 months later i had a letter inviting to apply for a trainee post at Mach signalbox, unfortunately by this stage id gone into Sixth form and was doing A levels and applying to University. When i graduated in 93 there were no longer any BR Graduate Management trainee schemes.

Tongue in cheek about Talerddig "Engineers siding" though when the Assembly's Enterprise and learning's Committee held a session about reopening Carno station a few years back and it was suggested a solution maybe to relocate the Taerddig loop to Carno the NR bods made out to the AM's that the Engineers siding was a very important heavily used facility that could not be moved!

 

[The Informer]

Instead of all this querying, why not just ask NR at Machy what they are doing? I'm sure you would get a reply from the horses mouth.

Have you got a phone number for them? I'll ring em now!

 

[Llanigraham]

Gareth and The Informer,
I'm sure a nice letter to the LOM at Machy with a suitable request might get an answer. I spent half a day there, but it was done officially.
I know from my contact there that they do get plenty of visitors.